Hope for the Egytian Vulture

The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is one of the two most endangered raptors in Europe, and is classified globally as “Endangered” (IUCN Red List 2008). Everywhere in the species’ range (except in France), its population is undergoing rapid decline. Over the last six years, the Bulgarian population of the Egyptian vulture has declined by 39%, reaching only 35 pairs in 2008.

This worrying pace of decline is due mainly to high adult mortality in the breeding range of the species (Inigo et al. 2009; Kurtev et al. 2008). In turn, this is a result of intoxication by various substances. The causes of mortality along migration routes and in the wintering areas are almost completely unknown. In 2008, a BSPB team, in cooperation with the Natural History Museum of Madrid, carried out a toxicology study of 15 pre-fledging juveniles. The results revealed unexpected new threats, such as high levels of pathogens, lead poisoning and exposure to antibiotics due to consumption of carcasses of treated livestock. Decreased availability of natural food represents an additional constraint on the species, while also increasing the risk of poisoning.

The Egyptian vulture is at the top of the food chain and has a high tolerance for human activity. Therefore, it is an indicator not only for preserved biodiversity, but also for an enlightened human population that respects nature. Supporting the traditional tolerance of the local population towards the Egyptian vulture is the key to long-term sustainability of the conservation effort.

Undoubtedly, the Egyptian vulture is affected by multiple threats that limit its survival. It is obvious that, in the long term, conservation of the species will require large-scale, nationwide and trans-border activity. Before this starts, however, monitoring needs to be properly executed and urgent research needs to be carried out in order to identify the key factors driving the extinction process in Bulgaria and inform the development of conservation actions.

Project aims and objectives

1. Secure reliable data on the Egyptian vulture sub-population in North Bulgaria
2. Reduce the risk of poisoning by providing safe food for the population located in North Bulgaria.
3. Fully understand the reasons for and scale of lethal intoxication to enable better informed future conservation action.
4. Enhance the capacity of BSPB to work effectively on the Egyptian vulture in the region by training local volunteers.
5. Increase awareness of Egyptian vulture conservation needs among key stakeholders